Jake Lawson’s No-Fluff Guide to Ducted Heating System Costs, Furnace Pump Replacements & Full Heat Pump Installations

Hey folks — Jake Lawson here.

If you’ve been staring down your winter utility bills or listening to your furnace wheeze through another cold night, you might be wondering: What’s it actually going to cost me to upgrade this system the right way?

It’s a question I get from homeowners every week — especially when they’re trying to balance comfort, efficiency, and budget. Maybe you’re looking at replacing a worn-out furnace, upgrading your old air handler, or finally switching to a full ducted heating system with a modern heat pump. Either way, understanding the real-world costs behind these systems — not the sugar-coated brochure prices — is crucial before you sign any contract.

So, let’s break it down. We’ll look at:

• What a new ducted heating system actually costs in 2025,

• The furnace pump replacement cost (and when it’s worth doing),

• The full cost to install a heat pump and ducts,

• And how that compares to a system like the Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle — one of the best bang-for-your-buck ducted setups out there.

I’ll also share where you can find reliable cost data, which installation factors matter most, and how to avoid overpaying for “extras” you may not need.

Let’s dig in.

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1. What a Ducted Heating System Really Is — and Why It Still Matters

A ducted heating system is exactly what it sounds like: a setup that uses ducts to distribute heated (and often cooled) air throughout your home. That could mean:

• A traditional gas or propane furnace with a blower and ducts,

• An electric heat pump system with a matched air handler and ducts, or

• A hybrid system combining both.

While ductless mini-splits have become popular in recent years, ducted systems remain the backbone of most U.S. homes — especially those built with central HVAC in mind.

The main advantage? Even temperature distribution and compatibility with standard thermostats and air filtration systems.

But the downside? When your ducts are aging or your furnace fails, replacement costs can get steep — and vary wildly depending on your home size, insulation, and location.

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2. The Real Ducted Heating System Cost in 2025

Let’s start with what you came for: real numbers.

Average cost range

According to HomeAdvisor, installing a new ducted heating system can range from $7,500 to $18,000, depending on size and complexity.

Here’s the rough breakdown:

These numbers include the equipment, ductwork (if needed), and professional labor. But remember: regional labor rates and home design can move your cost up or down significantly.

For example, adding a system to a finished home with limited attic or crawl space access can add 20–30% to total cost.

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3. Furnace Pump Replacement Cost — When It’s Worth It

Let’s talk about one of the most misunderstood HVAC expenses: the furnace pump (also called a blower motor or circulation pump).

When your system starts to fail — say, you’re hearing loud rattling or your air handler just won’t push air — your tech might suggest replacing the pump instead of the entire furnace. That’s often a good move if your furnace body and heat exchanger are still in good shape.

Average furnace pump replacement cost

According to Angi, you can expect to pay between $800 and $2,200 for a furnace blower or pump replacement, depending on type:

If your system is older than 15 years, replacing the blower might be a temporary fix — but if the rest of the furnace is wearing down, you’re likely better off upgrading the whole thing.

That’s where system bundles like the Goodman 3-Ton R-32 come in. It’s a complete setup that includes a condenser, coil, and air handler, giving you an efficient, cohesive replacement rather than patchwork repairs.

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4. The Cost to Install a Heat Pump and Ducts

If you’re thinking of transitioning to a heat pump system, especially one tied into ducts, the pricing conversation changes.

Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, and they’re more energy-efficient in mild to moderate climates. But pairing one with ductwork is a major project — especially in older homes.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the cost to install a heat pump and ducts averages between $12,000 and $25,000, depending on:

• Home size and layout (more square footage = more ducts),

• Type of heat pump (single-stage vs variable-speed inverter),

• Accessibility for duct installation (attic vs crawlspace vs slab),

• Local labor rates and permit requirements.

For a small home (1,000–1,200 sq ft), you might land closer to $10,000–$13,000. For larger homes (2,500+ sq ft), it’s not unusual to see estimates above $20,000, especially if the ducts must be fabricated or rerouted.

Pro tip: If your home already has functional ducts from an old furnace or AC, installing a ducted heat pump system can save you thousands — making it a great mid-range upgrade that delivers both comfort and energy efficiency.

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5. Comparing Cost & Efficiency: Trane, Carrier, and Goodman

Homeowners often ask me: “Jake, should I go with a premium brand like Trane or Carrier, or save money with something like Goodman?”

Here’s my honest take.

Premium brands like Trane and Carrier make exceptional products, but they also command 30–50% higher prices due to branding, proprietary controls, and extended warranties. If you’re staying in your home for 15+ years, that can pay off. But if you’re upgrading on a tighter budget, you might not see enough return on that premium.

That’s why I like the Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle as a baseline. It’s efficient, durable, and uses R-32 refrigerant — a modern, lower-impact choice that’s future-proofed for the next generation of HVAC systems.

For many households, it delivers 90% of the comfort at 60% of the price of high-end brands.

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6. Real-World Cost Scenarios

Let’s look at a few realistic examples so you can gauge your own situation.

Scenario 1: Replacing an old gas furnace with a new ducted heat pump system

• Home size: 1,800 sq ft

• Existing ductwork: Reusable

• Equipment: Mid-efficiency ducted heat pump system

• Labor: Standard

• Estimated cost: $11,000 – $14,000

Scenario 2: Adding ducts and new heat pump in a home without central HVAC

• Home size: 2,000 sq ft

• Ductwork: Full install (attic and crawlspace)

• Equipment: High-efficiency variable-speed heat pump

• Labor: Complex

• Estimated cost: $17,000 – $25,000

Scenario 3: Replacing furnace blower and keeping existing furnace

• Furnace age: 10 years

• Component: Variable-speed blower

• Labor: 2–3 hours

• Estimated cost: $1,500 – $2,000

When you add up parts, labor, and warranty, these numbers make sense — and they align closely with national data from Modernize and Energy Star.

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7. What Affects Your Ducted Heating System Cost the Most

Here are the big variables that can move your total cost up or down by thousands:

1. Home Size & Tonnage Requirements

A 3-ton system is great for ~1,500–2,000 sq ft homes. Oversizing leads to wasted energy and moisture issues; undersizing leads to comfort complaints.

2. Duct Condition & Accessibility

Reusing ducts? Great — you save big. Need all-new runs? Expect to add $4,000–$8,000.

3. System Type & Efficiency Rating

Higher SEER and HSPF ratings = higher upfront cost. The Goodman 14.5 SEER2 is a solid middle ground for most climates.

4. Installation Quality

A mediocre install on a premium system will perform worse than a flawless install on a value model. Always prioritize licensed, experienced contractors.

5. Location & Labor Costs

Urban markets like Atlanta, Dallas, or Denver tend to have higher install rates than rural or suburban areas.

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8. Tips to Save Money on Your Next HVAC Upgrade

1. Get at least three bids. Prices vary widely even within the same ZIP code.

2. Ask for line-item quotes. See what’s included — equipment, ductwork, thermostat, labor, permits, etc.

3. Consider shoulder-season installation. HVAC companies often offer discounts in spring/fall.

4. Leverage rebates and tax credits. Check the ENERGY STAR heat pump rebate database for federal and local incentives.

5. Maintain your new system. Preventative maintenance keeps efficiency high and extends lifespan.

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9. The Bottom Line from Jake Lawson

Here’s what I tell every homeowner I work with:

• Don’t buy the brand — buy the install. A mid-tier Goodman installed right will outperform a premium unit installed wrong.

• Know your real needs. If your ducts are shot, budget for replacements before worrying about SEER ratings.

• Balance efficiency and longevity. Spending $5,000 more for a system that saves $100/year in electricity rarely makes sense.

• Future-proof your investment. Systems using R-32 refrigerant — like the Goodman bundle — are a safer long-term bet as regulations tighten.

In short, if your HVAC journey starts with a realistic understanding of ducted heating system cost, furnace pump replacement cost, and cost to install a heat pump and ducts, you’ll make smarter decisions, avoid unnecessary markups, and stay comfortable all year long.